Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Canon L EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM 100mm
What Buyers Say
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
The Nikon 16-85mm VR is widely praised as an excellent all-around zoom for DX cameras, delivering sharp images across the focal range with effective VR. Users note it outperforms kit lenses like the 18-105mm and even rivals the pricier 17-55mm in sharpness, though it is heavy and somewhat slow (f/3.5-5.6). Build quality is solid with a metal barrel, and the 16mm wide end is a key advantage for landscapes. Some caution about vignetting with thick filters and barrel distortion at 16mm, but overall it is considered a worthy investment for enthusiasts.
Pros
- Excellent sharpness across focal range
- Effective VR II image stabilization
- Solid build with metal barrel
- Useful 16-85mm zoom range
- Great for landscapes and travel
Cons
- Heavy weight (3.1 lb with D90)
- Slow aperture (f/3.5-5.6)
- Expensive for an f/3.5-5.6 lens
- Barrel distortion at 16mm
- Vignetting with thick filters at 16mm
Canon L EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM 100mm
Most buyers are thrilled with this macro lens, praising its sharpness, lightweight build, and value for money. However, a few received units with cosmetic damage or focus issues, and one reviewer reported a cracked lens hood. Overall, the lens performs well for product and toy photography, but quality control on refurbished units is inconsistent.
Pros
- Sharp macro detail
- Lightweight and sturdy build
- Great value for money
- Excellent for product photography
- Quiet autofocus operation
Cons
- Inconsistent refurbished quality
- Cracked lens hood in shipping
- Focus fading issue on some units
- Visible scratches and wear on glass
- Motor noise during autofocus
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Canon L EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM 100mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | macro |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 100 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 100 mm |
| Elements | — | 15 |
| Groups | — | 12 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3 | 4★ |
| ED Elements | 2★ | 1 |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | Super Spectra coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/32 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Canon EF |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg★ | 0.63 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | USM★ |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops | 5 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm | 300 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | — | 1:1★ |
Pros & Cons
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
- Strong versatility (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong stabilization (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong social proof (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong aperture (83rd percentile)83rd %ile
Canon L EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM 100mm
- Strong stabilization (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong social proof (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong af (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong optical (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Below average aperture (5th percentile)5th %ile
- Below average bokeh (8th percentile)8th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (32nd percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 4 of 9 usage categories and 2 of 22 specs.